German FM issues warning to S’Africa after reported weapon shipment to Russia

Berlin takes Washington’s claims that Moscow received a weapons shipment from South Africa “very seriously,” German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock announced on Friday.

Her statement came after Pretoria rejected the allegations and summoned the US ambassador for a diplomatic dressing-down.

“I am very concerned that there have been these reports,” Baerbock told journalists on the sidelines of the EU foreign ministers summit in Stockholm, Sweden. She added that she was treating the allegations “very seriously” and would consult with other countries.

“If someone were to supply weapons to the aggressor, it would be the opposite of ending the war,” Baerbock said, referring to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Germany recently approved the delivery of hundreds of its Leopard main battle tanks to Ukraine.